A huge haul of smuggled cigarettes--over P38 million--recently fell in the hands of the Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP), the agency reported on Sunday, June 13.

The shipment, which was issued a pre-lodgement control order by MICP District Collector Romeo Allan R. Rosales, was consigned to Green Nature Alliance Ventures.
Full physical examination of the shipment yielded the presence of 1,090 master cases of assorted cigarette brands such as Marvel, Mighty and Astro. The estimated value of the items was P38.1 million.
Operatives from the Formal Entry Division (FED), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) carried out the examination which led to the confiscation of the contraband on June 11.
A warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) has been issued against the shipment for violation of Section 1400 in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act (RA)No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA); as well as the National Tobacco Authority (NTA) law and regulations.
The MICP said it remains committed to BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero's thrust to curb smuggling.
"By the strengthened intelligence and enforcement efforts, the Port shall remain at the forefront of border security in the country," the BOC said.